Updated
Updated · wdhafm.com · Jun 23
New Jersey Cuts Overdose Deaths 22% to 1,546 in 2025 as Federal Funding Faces Curbs
Updated
Updated · wdhafm.com · Jun 23

New Jersey Cuts Overdose Deaths 22% to 1,546 in 2025 as Federal Funding Faces Curbs

3 articles · Updated · wdhafm.com · Jun 23

Summary

  • New Jersey recorded 1,546 overdose deaths in 2025, down from 1,983 in 2024, a 22% drop that outpaced the 14% national decline.
  • Opioid-related deaths drove the reduction, which state advocates linked to greater awareness of opiate risks and wider access to addiction services.
  • The 2025 toll is also more than 50% below New Jersey's 2022 peak of over 3,000 deaths, even as substance use disorder continued rising nationally.
  • Federal policy is turning less supportive: SAMHSA said in April its funds can no longer buy or distribute fentanyl test strips, and the president's 2027 budget proposes further cuts to prevention and treatment programs.

Insights

As overdose deaths fall, could a new 'rhino tranq' and funding cuts reverse this progress?
If fewer people are dying from overdoses, why are more people developing drug use disorders?
Why is the government cutting funds for drug testing tools it previously endorsed as important?